Position: Defender
Birthdate: 02/09/1993
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Previous Club: Indy Eleven
College: Wisconsin University
Height: 6-3
AJ enters his second stint with the Charleston Battery after being signed to the 2023 roster during the preseason, having previously played for the Battery in 2015. The former USL Championship All-League Second Team selection played the previous two seasons for Indy Eleven.
Cochran brings a wealth of experience from tenures with MLS side Houston Dynamo FC and USLC clubs Saint Louis FC, Atlanta United 2, Phoenix Rising FC and Indy.
Cochran featured in 48 matches across all competitions for Indy from 2021 to 2022. His 156 clearances and 40 blocks were the most totaled by any Indy player across those two seasons. Cochran captained the team during the first half of the 2022 campaign and his lone goal in the year came against the Battery in October.
A 6-3 center-back, Cochran isn’t afraid to make his presence felt and is skilled at winning the ball on the ground and in the air.
Cochran’s professional career began when he was drafted 16th overall by Houston Dynamo FC in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, making 19 appearances during his rookie season. Later that same year, he made his debut for the United States U-23 national team. While playing for Houston in 2015, Cochran joined the Battery on loan for two matches.
After departing Houston, Cochran would develop into one of the top defenders in the USL, initially signing with Saint Louis FC in 2016 and later playing for Atlanta United 2. Cochran won the 2019 regular season title and was subsequently named to the All-League Second Team with Phoenix Rising FC. He then led Phoenix to the USL Championship Final after claiming the Western Conference title in 2020.
Cochran enjoyed a successful three-year college career at the University of Wisconsin before turning pro. His honors included two First-Team All-Big Ten nods, the 2013 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award and a 2013 First-Team All-America selection.
